Guwahati, May 10: In a major boost to Assam’s agri-export sector, the state on Saturday exported its first-ever consignment of One District One Product (ODOP) honey from Baksa district to the United States.
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| Officials and stakeholders during the flag-off of Assam’s first-ever 20 MT ODOP honey consignment from Baksa district to the United States under the APEDA initiative in Guwahati. (Image: X/CMOfficeAssam) |
The consignment, comprising nearly 20 metric tonnes of honey, was flagged off under the initiative of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The export was carried out by APEDA-registered exporter Salt Range Foods Pvt Ltd.
The honey was processed and packed at the company’s facility in Guwahati before being shipped to the US market.
Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the development a historic milestone for Assam’s farmers and beekeepers.
“From the forests of Baksa to the markets of the USA, the first-ever export of 20 MT ODOP Honey from Assam showcases the growing global potential of our farmers and beekeepers,” Sarma said in a statement.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ODOP initiative for connecting local producers to international markets and strengthening rural livelihoods.
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Baksa honey is widely known for its near-organic quality, natural purity and rich floral diversity, making it suitable for premium global markets. The product has been identified under the ODOP initiative due to its strong export potential and its role in generating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly improve incomes for local beekeepers and farmers, with producers reportedly receiving around 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local market rates.
APEDA, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export and supported infrastructure development, including testing and laboratory equipment to ensure compliance with international quality and food safety standards.
The ceremonial flag-off programme was attended by senior officials, including Aruna Rajoria, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Assam and Agriculture Production Commissioner, along with APEDA representatives Abhishek Dev and Virendra Mittal.
Major honey-producing districts in Assam include Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region. According to National Horticulture Board data, Assam produced nearly 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during the 2023-24 financial year.
